Bejing: China on Monday said Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the killing of his father was an internal matter and should be respected.
The statement came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as Israel and the United States continue military operations against Iran. At the same time, Israeli officials have warned that any successor to former supreme leader Ali Khamenei could also become a potential target.
Beijing urges respect for Iran’s sovereignty
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Iran’s leadership transition was conducted according to the country’s constitutional framework.
He emphasized that China opposes interference in the internal affairs of other nations under any circumstances. Moreover, he stressed that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected.
Guo made the remarks while responding to questions about Israeli threats directed at Iran’s new leader.
The comments reflect China’s broader diplomatic position of calling for restraint and respect for national sovereignty during the ongoing regional conflict.
Regional tensions intensify after leadership change
Meanwhile, tensions across the Middle East have continued to escalate following the death of former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts recently appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader after the elder Khamenei was killed during the initial wave of US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Since then, military exchanges between Iran and its adversaries have intensified. Israel and the United States have continued air strikes targeting Iranian facilities and military infrastructure.
In response, Iran has launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks aimed at Israel and several Gulf states hosting US military forces.
Consequently, the conflict has raised fears of broader regional instability as global powers call for restraint while hostilities continue.
